Gupta family apologises for 'scandalous' wedding in South Africa

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Last Updated: Sun, May 05, 2013 13:18 hrs

Johannesburg: The wealthy Gupta family has apologized for the scandalous family wedding in South Africa, but the apology might have come a little too late since several officials, including a top diplomat, were suspended for their parts in the controversy.

The Gupta family, which owns The New Age newspaper and Sahara Computers, was celebrating the wedding of Vega Gupta, 23, to Indian-born Aaskash Jahajgarhia at Sun City in North West, reports News24.

The family issued a statement on Saturday apologizing to all affected, including the South African and Indian governments, the local authorities, the South African public and the guests who attended the wedding.

The family, who have close ties to President Jacob Zuma and the ANC, landed a chartered plane at Waterkloof Air Force Base near Pretoria on Tuesday without permits, prompting a national condemnation.

A senior South African diplomat and several police officers have been suspended for their role in allowing the aircraft to land at the restricted base.

Authorities on Friday announced a seven-day probe into the controversial landing, which has been described as an embarrassment and undermining the country's laws.

India's High Commissioner to South Africa, Virenda Gupta, has also been implicated in the scandal, as he is believed to have asked for landing rights.

The wedding party left the country on Friday evening through OR Tambo International Airport, after the jet was ordered to vacate the base.